Golden State Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga earned his second start of the season on Monday but the outing was short-lived after suffering a back injury, head coach Steve Kerr said.
Kuminga started in place of Andrew Wiggins for the second straight game but eventually exited the game with 5:31 left in the first quarter. The Warriors announced Kuminga was questionable to return with lower back tightness but the seventh pick would not play again.
Afterward, Kerr did not have an update on the injury.
“I don’t know yet,” Kerr said after the 113-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings. “The only thing I heard was his lower back tightened up early in the game. I haven’t had a chance to talk to the training staff yet.”
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The Warriors wanted to give Kuminga the opportunity to log significant minutes next to starters Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and others in the lineup. Kerr viewed it as part of his development this season as he has been pleased with how Kuminga has progressed.
Kuminga recorded just two points and two rebounds before the injury.
The contest came just two nights after Kuminga produced a career-high 26 points to lead the Warriors in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. Kerr thought Kuminga played well in spurts during that contest but also had some rookie mistakes, which is part of the development process.
Kerr has often said this season that Kuminga will be in mostly a developmental role but admired how the rookie has handled the process. He will continue to see time in the NBA G League but appears to have fully bought into the team’s plan for him.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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